William Swain Lee - Political Career

Political Career

Before he became a judge, Lee served as Counsel to the Sussex County Republican Committee from 1965 to 1972, when he became General Counsel to the Delaware Republican State Committee. From 1973 until 1977 he was the Sussex County Republican Party Chairman. In 1976, he was among the delegates who actively supported Ronald Reagan in his effort to win the Republican nomination for President.

In 1999, Lee resigned his judicial post, and sought the Republican nomination for governor. He faced Delaware State Chamber of Commerce President John M. Burris and State House Speaker Terry Spence. Burris, after receiving the endorsement of the state Republican Party, won the primary by less than fifty votes.

In 2004, Lee again sought the Republican nomination, this time winning the state party's endorsement, and easily winning the Republican primary. Although he was able to run a very competitive campaign, Lee ultimately fell short of defeating the incumbent Governor, Ruth Ann Minner, in the general election.

In 2008, Lee was drafted by the Republican Party in Delaware to be their Gubernatorial candidate, over his announced opponent, Michael D. Protack. During the 2008 convention for the Delaware Republican Party, Lee received over 80% of the delegate votes in the draft, despite not being present. Lee filed his campaign paperwork on May 9 and announced he will make the run for governor. Along with Charlie Copeland, the Lieutenant Governor nominee, Bill Lee campaigned across the state. He lost by a wide margin.